What is a String Quartet?

Essentially,  a string quartet is a combination of four stringed instruments playing together. However, string quartets traditionally consist of two violins, one viola and a cello. For more variety, string quartets can also consist of ensembles of guitarists, harpists, bassists or even a mandolin player. The combinations and variety which can be achieved through string quartet ensembles is unlimited and the addition of other musical instruments can make the performance of a string quartet even more special.

For example, a piano could be added to a string quartet for a piano quintet. A fifth string instrument aside could be added, ranging from an additional violin to a bass and beyond, making it a string quintet. Alternatively, if you remove one instrument from the quartet, it would become a string trio. The Sparrow Lane String Quartet is available in the classic quartet combination or with any addition or subtraction of various instruments.

If you’re interested in reading about string quartet
musicians, view our Musicians page!

Some History About String Quartets

String quartets became popular in the 1700’s when composers such as Haydn began writing compositions for them. In fact, Haydn is known as the father of string quartets because his Opus 9 Quartet became the standard format for string quartets.

Popular Composers for String Quartets

Many, many composers have written compositions for string quartets. Here is a brief list of some famous classical composers who have written string quartet music:

• Bach
• Clarke
• Handel
• Mozart
• Pachelbel
• Schubert

Popular Songs for String Quartets

There are many timeless, beautiful and breathtaking songs which can be played by a string quartet; their versatility is one reason they are a popular choice for special events. From classical favorites like Pachelbel’s “Canon in D Major” to all-time pop favorites like the Beatles “All You Need is Love”, string quartets’ capabilities are virtually unlimited. This is what makes string quartets such a popular choice for weddings and corporate events, also. Below is a list of just a few songs string quartets can play:

Classical Songs for String Quartets

• “Spring” – Vivaldi
• “Pavane” – Faure
• “Intermezzo” – Mascagni
• “Arrival of the Queen of Sheba” – Handel
• “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik” – Mozart
• “Divertimento I in D Major” - Mozart
• “Divertimento II in Bb Major” - Mozart
• “Divertimento III in F Major” – Mozart

Wedding Songs for String Quartets

• “Bourre” - Bach
• Gavotte” from Suite 3 - Bach
• “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desire” - Bach
• “Trumpet Voluntary (The Prince of Denmark March)” - Clarke
• “Air” from The Water Music Suite - Handel
• “Hornpipe” from The Water Music Suite - Handel
• “Romanza” - Mozart
• “Pachelbel’s Canon (Canon in D Major)” - Pachelbel
• “Andante” - Schubert
• “Bridal Chorus” - Wagner
• “Trumpet Tune” – Purcell
• “Wedding March” – Wagner
• “Largo” – Handel
• “Wedding March” - Mendelssohn
• “Cantabile” – Tartini
• “Traumerai” – Schumann

Pop Songs for String Quartets

• “Fields of Gold” - Sting
• “God Only Knows” - The Beach Boys
• “Lovecats” - The Cure
• “It Must be Love” - Madness
• “Bittersweet Symphony” - The Verve
• “Everlong” - The Foo Fighters
• “Your Song” - Elton John
• “Here Comes the Sun” - The Beatles
• “When I’m 64″ - The Beatles
• “All You  Need is Love” - The Beatles
• “Eleanore Rigby” - The Beatles
• “Imagine” - John Lennon
• “Yellow” - Coldplay
• “Champagne Supernova” - Oasis

R&B / Jazz / Swing / Dance for String Quartets

• “At Last” - Etta James
• “Somewhere Beyond the Sea” - Bobby Darin
• “The Way You Look Tonight” - Frank Sinatra
• “New York, New York” - Frank Sinatra
• “That’s Amore” - Dean Martin
• “Moon River”
• “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”
• “My Funny Valentine”

With string quartets, musical choices are only limited by your imagination!

If you’re interested in listening to string quartet songs
like the ones on this list, visit our music samples page!

Why Are String Quartets so Popular for Events Like Weddings?

String Quartets are popular for weddings and other special events because of their compact size but impressive quality of music. Their small instrumentation is loud enough to be enjoyed but quiet enough to permit conversation. Furthermore, string quartets can play at virtually any event, indoors or outdoors. They are so versatile, they can play anything from a beach wedding ceremony or a garden wedding ceremony to a large church wedding ceremony or a huge banquet hall. Finally, their music is sophisticated enough for it to be enjoyed at any formal event.

With just this small amount of information, you can now see why string quartets are the premiere choice for special events like parties, weddings, receptions and other get-togethers which require fantastic music.

If you’re interested in booking the Sparrow Lane
String Quartet for your event, visit our Booking page!

Let’s discuss some essential tips for choosing wedding bands. First and most importantly, you will want to have your ceremony and reception sites booked before hiring your musicians. This is very important, because most sites have at least some specific guidelines detailing aspects such as sound, band size and so on. Some sites, such as churches and synagogues, will have a list of preferred musicians that they would like you to work with. After you have secured your locations and determined their rules and specifications, you will want to book your band as early as possible. However, before you can do this, there are some important suggestions you should follow in order to make your search as easy as possible. These include:

• To find musicians who will fit both your taste and budget, interview at least three different musicians or go through a music management company.
• Try to attend the interviews as a couple, as both the bride and groom will have input.
• Bring a pen and notepad with you to all of your interviews to quickly write down any information or questions you may have throughout the interview.
• Most importantly, consider these aspects both before and after interviewing wedding musicians in order to make an objective and informed decision.

1. Budget: Do not “cut corners”. Quality should be of the utmost importance to you. However, that doesn’t mean you should go beyond your budget, either. Try to find a happy medium between your budget and the atmosphere you want.
2. Theme / Mood and Atmosphere: Consider the theme of your wedding as well as the mood and atmosphere you want to achieve.
3. Musical Taste: Keep your own musical tastes in mind; ultimately, it’s your wedding.
4. Location: As previously mentioned, the location of your ceremony and reception may have certain rules or restrictions. In addition, certain décor lends itself more easily to live music. For example, hardwood floors and minimalist decorations create wonderful acoustics, where carpeting and tile ceilings can absorb sound so more amplification may be required.
5. Guests: Live music is an excellent choice for your reception, as it entertains guests during particular events such as while you are being photographed. Your guests will take their cue from you; if you are enjoying the music, so will they.
6. Hiring experienced musicians helps you to plan a day full of festive, romantic music for your occasion. These musicians are faithful to schedules, always prepared, and most importantly able to help you choose the most fitting music for your event based on circumstances such as location and theme. Be ready to trust their judgment.
7. Securing Your Wedding Music: A deposit of one-third or one-half of the total cost should be paid in advance. Many times, the balance will be asked for two weeks in advance. Also keep in mind that patrons of the arts (in this event, you) are obliged to provide food and drink for your hired musicians. Musicians work exceptionally hard and need food, drink, and rest occasionally.
8. Using a wedding coordinator may help take the guesswork out of planning your own wedding. Hiring one is highly recommended.

Your day is one that both yourself and your guests will remember always. Following these tips will assure you peace of mind on your special day, and your guests will revel in your happiness!

When browsing wedding-related blogs, Style Me Pretty, a blog about wedding planning, posted a question posed by a bride-to-be which I found inspiring. The bride asked for suggestions for wedding ceremony processional music which was appropriate for the occasion but non-traditional. While “Here Comes the Bride” is lovely and classic, a modern bride may want to break from traditonal wedding music and opt for something unique and inventive for her wedding ceremony. One way to accomplish this is to choose pop music.

You can make your ceremony “pop” by taking a modern song and give it a classical twist. For example, one bride suggested walking down the aisle to “All You Need is Love” played by a classical string quartet. This would be a lovely choice if one had the Sparrow Lane String Quartet play at their wedding ceremony. Other suggestions from posters included:

• “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles
• “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”
• “Come Away With Me” by Norah Jones
• “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel
• “Bittersweet Symphony” by the Verve
• “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder
• “Calico Skies” by Paul McCartney
• “Everlong (Acoustic)” by the Foo Fighters
• “All I Want Is You” by U2
• Film Scores (For example, “Storybook Love” from “The Princess Bride”)
• Musical Soundtracks

All of these would be excellent choices if played by a string quartet, a traditonal wedding band, a solo violinist or on mandolin.

There are many more lovely pop songs which would translate well into a wedding ceremony if played by any of these bands. For ideas, take a look at your CD collection or iTunes playlist and make a list of songs which inspire feelings of love, romance and beauty within you. Just be sure that each song speaks about love and romance and is appropriate for the “feel” of your wedding. Keep this list at hand when you meet with your wedding band to design your wedding’s soundtrack and you will be sure to have an event to remember.

If you have any suggestions about pop songs which would sound lovely at a wedding ceremony, let us know!

Cheesy Dance Songs to Never Play at a Wedding

First, let’s take a look at some songs which are just too cheesy for any special event, let alone your wedding. While these may be fun dance numbers for your five-year-old nephew, none of these songs are classy, sophisticated or even remotely popular:

• The Macarena
• The Ketchup Song
• The Chicken Dance
• The Hokey Pokey
• The Locomotion
• The Cha-Cha Slide
• Limbo Rock
• YMCA
• The Conga

Again, these songs might seem fun, but, they’re really only fun for people under the age of ten! Save this playlist for your child’s birthday party, not for your wedding.

Inappropriate Songs for a Wedding

While these songs may be beautiful and moving in their own right, they are certainly not appropriate for a wedding! Most of these songs actually deal with break-ups, bad relationships or even death (like “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion). Do you really want to think about those things on your wedding day?

• The Police - “Every Breath You Take” (This song is about a bad break-up, and now he’s watching her wherever she goes!)
• Whitney Houston - “I Will Always Love You” (”I Will Always Love You” - even though we broke up!)
• Celine Dion - “My Heart Will Go On” (He’s dead and she will always remember him.)
• Eric Clapton - “Tears in Heaven” (Another song about death.)
• Gloria Gaynor - “I Will Survive” (If it isn’t obvious, this is about surviving a terrible break-up and moving on.)
• Billy Idol - “White Wedding” (Billy Idol stated that this song is about hating his younger sister’s fiance.)

Believe it or not, most of these songs are played by DJ’s at weddings all too often and many of them are featured in “Top Wedding Songs” lists on various websites. However, be sure to keep these off of your wedding music playlist and go with something more appropriate - and uplifting - instead!

Questionable Songs for a Wedding

While these songs might be fun and charming on their own, they just do not belong at a wedding reception.

• The Black Eyed Peas - “My Humps”
• The Baha Men - “Who Let the Dogs Out”
• Wang Chung - “Everybody Have Fun Tonight”
• Aerosmith - “Dude Looks Like a Lady”
• Trace Adkins - “Honkey Tonk Badonkadonk”
• Bryan Adams - “Cuts Like a Knife”
• Toby Keith - “She’s a Hottie”
• Billy Ray Cyrus - “Achey Brakey Heart”
• Sisqo - “The Thong Song”
• The Starland Vocal Band - “Afternoon Delight”

Okay, some of these songs are just plain bad!

At this point, you probably get the idea: some songs do not belong at your wedding! While they may be entertaining for a select few, it would be best to leave these out of your wedding music playlist. However, always trust your judgment; you know what’s best for your wedding day!

If you have any more “wedding music mistakes” to share with us, post a comment!

At Perfect Music for Weddings, it is our goal to make one of the most important aspects of your wedding day also one of the easiest: choosing the right wedding music for your special day! Forget all of the other aspects of wedding planning for a little while, and let’s explore wedding music. Here we will cover some important tips for choosing the best live music for your wedding ceremony, reception or other special event.

Always Take Everyone’s Advice Sparingly –
Especially When It Comes to Wedding Music!

When planning your wedding day, a lot of your family and friends will likely add their input about what they think you should do. However, don’t ever forget, it’s your wedding – not theirs! Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa and all of your friends will surely be well-meaning with their suggestions, however, they are not “wedding experts,” no matter how many wedding ceremonies they’ve been to. Unless Aunt Sarah is a professional wedding planner, take her advice with a grain of salt.

Grandma and Grandpa may want to hear some classic standards, your bridesmaids may want to hear something contemporary, Mom and Dad may want to hear a classical string quartet – and you may want to hear something completely different! It’s your wedding day and it’s your wedding music – so choose what you like and not what everyone else thinks they want to hear. In the end, everyone will be pleased with your decision anyway.

Never “Cut Corners” By Hiring Unprofessional
Musicians for Your Wedding Band

Cousin Tommy or your bridesmaid’s boyfriend might have a “totally cool” band – but, do you really want to trust one of the most important aspects of your wedding day to a non-professional, just because it might “save you some money”? What if they don’t even know any wedding music? Do you really want to hear a cover of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” five times on your wedding day?

Leave the wedding music up to those who know it best – real wedding music professionals. Our professional wedding musicians have several factors which make them hundreds of times better than Cousin Tommy’s cover band. First, they are trained and seasoned professional musicians who perform at weddings and other events for a living, never as a hobby. Performing for weddings is their passion and they’re good at it! Many of our musicians have played at hundreds of weddings and special events and have years of experience. Second, they have large repertoires of music, ranging from wedding classics, to movie themes, to contemporary favorites and so much more. Third, they are trained to circumvent any potential problems which may arise, even those unrelated to their performance. Fourth, they truly care about their performance and what they do to make your wedding an enchanting event remembered for years to come. Can you say the same for Cousin Tommy’s cover band?

Don’t disappoint your guests or yourself by trying to “cut corners” on the wedding music. Just because it might save you a few dollars, do you really want to remember Cousin Tommy’s ten minute long cover of “Freebird” at your 50^th wedding anniversary?

These are only two tips on how to choose music for your wedding day. However, they are very important. If you take away one thing from this article, remember this: Always trust your personal judgment in planning your wedding and always trust a professional wedding musician with a proven reputation.

Do you have any suggestions, tips or ideas on wedding planning or choosing the right musicians for your wedding? Leave us a comment and let us know!

More info: Band site

The Whole of the Moon Swing Orchestra is an exciting and entertaining musical dance band featuring singers, horns, and strings playing your favorite songs from the 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s, guaranteed to set a classy backdrop at your event and keep your guests dancing through the night…

Favorites such as “Fly Me to the Moon,” “Sentimental Journey,” “Paper Moon,” “Blue Velvet,” “New York New York,” “Nice Work If You Can Get It,” “Mack The Knife,” “Blue Skies,” and “Volare,” as well as music from the golden age of Swing, Frank Sinatra / Dean Martin / Sammy Davis Jr. and the Rat Pack Era, The Great America Songbook, Doo-Wop, classics from the 50’s, show tunes, movie scores, and Italian / Greek / French / International favorites, are given new and refreshing interpretations.

Tapping into the rich dance band traditions of Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, Xavier Cugat, Tommy Dorsey and other historical favorites such as Bob Wills, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie, The Whole of the Moon Swing Orchestra provides the perfect musical soundtrack for parties, weddings, anniversaries, corporate functions, and other special events.

The band features cream of the crop of the Los Angeles music community and is comprised of passionate and professional musicians who love to play. We are dedicated to making your event a very special occasion that everyone will enjoy.

Our full orchestra is a 14-piece band with 3 singers, 3 horns, 2 violins, upright bass, drums, guitar, vibraphone, piano, and accordion. We also offer a 10-piece and 6-piece version of the band, and one of our jazz combos or classical string ensembles for your prelude, ceremony, and pre-reception music.

Let the city of Los Angeles inspire your wedding music!

The varied backdrops of Los Angeles can provide the most spectacular settings for your wedding day. It is one of the most inspiring and romantic cities in the world. After all, it is called “the city of angels” for a reason – and even inspired a romantic film of the same name! Also, don’t forget that Los Angeles is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world: the assorted cross-sections of world cultures of the city of Los Angeles create a cultural mosaic which is completely unique. Los Angeles is home to people from across the globe, each of whom brings a piece of their unique culture to the city.

When planning your Los Angeles wedding, why not take into consideration the city’s unique flavors when selecting the music for your event?

“Old Hollywood” is a popular choice for Los Angeles weddings. This theme evokes feelings of glamour, nostalgia and class. If you’re planning an Old Hollywood-themed soiree, you’re first choice for wedding music is the Whole of the Moon Swing Orchestra. This band features classic tunes from the 30’s, 40’s, 50’s and 60’s – it’s the perfect music to accompany your classically inspired wedding! The Sparrow Lane String Quartet would work well with an Old Hollywood themed wedding, as well.

Without a doubt, Latin culture is a large part of life in Los Angeles. However, you don’t have to know how to tango to plan a Latin wedding! From samba, flamenco, salsa and meringue, to tango and bossa nova, the Wine and Roses Band can provide your Latin flavored wedding with the perfect musical accompaniment to make your Los Angeles wedding go from lukewarm to muy caliente!

Why not take inspiration from the sophistication of city life? If you want to plan a sophisticated Los Angeles wedding, consider the classy sounds of a string quartet. The Sparrow Lane String Quartet would be a wonderful choice for a decidedly sophisticated event.

These are only a few examples of weddings inspired by the city of Los Angeles. With just a little imagination it is possible to come up with hundreds of ideas to inspire a memorable and unique Los Angeles wedding!

Do you have any unique wedding theme ideas? Let us know!

Solo Violin Musicians for Weddings, Parties, Anything!

More info: Band site

We are solo violin musicians, fiddlers & composers who specialize in performing original solo violin music at weddings — including wedding ceremonies, dinners, cocktail hours and receptions. We also play at private parties, restaurants and other events.

In 2006, we performed at 126 weddings and parties, and 87 in 2005. We are self contained, can perform acoustic or electric, show up on time, are not too loud and our rates are lower than most. Be sure to listen to some of our music samples on our site and have all of your frequently asked questions answered.

We are unique musicians offering a variety of music entertainment for your special event including Jazz, Classical, Acoustic, Swing, Irish/Celtic, Fiddle, Bluegrass, Gypsy, Strolling Music, Italian, Jewish, Blues, Klezmer and Dance Music.

Your wedding or special event deserves to be spectacular!

What better way to complement your special day than with romantic, sophisticated and original solo violin music?

We have solo violinists based in Southern California, available to perform virtually anywhere in the region, including: Santa Barbara, Montecito, Ventura Wine Country, and Santa Inez — or wherever your wedding or event is located!

Our professional musicians have many years of experience and will be the perfect accompaniment for your special day.

Our music is always appropriate for the mood and setting, at reasonable rates.

Click here to book this band »

There is nothing more enchanting or romantic
than the beautiful, angelic sound of the mandolin.

More info: Band site

Mandolin Magic provides impeccably talented and professional mandolin players (and accompaniment) performing sophisticated, stylish, and fun music in all genres and customized for all events. Our mandolinists perform wedding ceremonies, wedding receptions, cocktail parties, private events, anniversaries, birthdays, and more!

Our experienced musicians play a wide variety of musical styles that you love, including Italian, Jazz, Swing, Classical, Latin, Klezmer, Jewish, Bluegrass, Old-time, Irish / Celtic, Greek, and Russian mandolin music, not to mention your favorite movie themes and pop music!

Mandolin Magic performs acoustic mandolin, electric mandolin, solo mandolin with backing tracks, strolling mandolin, duo mandolins, mandolin ensembles, or mandolin with a full band.

We are passionate, punctual, and professional musicians who love our jobs! Most importantly, we have a great time making sure you and your guests have an unforgettable time. Along with our expert planner, you are sure to experience the utmost in quality mandolin music and enjoy the day of your dreams!

Mandolin Music for Weddings

Your special day is here and Mandolin Magic
can make it enchanting — and stress free!

We love weddings, and we love playing mandolin music for weddings! Mandolin Magic offers mandolin music for the prelude, processional, candle lighting, recessional, cocktail hour, dinner, dancing, and any other special requests you might have.

Over the years, Mandolin Magic has performed at hundreds of weddings. There is no musical, social, emotional or technical situation we can’t handle. From performing at obscure locations on the beach, leading a processional of guests through a city street, or hiking to a remote mountain location, to rushing tables, chairs, and sound equipment to a new location during a last-minute thunderstorm, we can — and have had to — handle it all.

We are completely self-contained, travel with all our own equipment, dress appropriately, and are happy to do whatever needs to be done to make the day go smoothly and as perfectly as you envision.

The Mandolin is a beautiful choice for weddings because of its historical and romantic sound. It crosses the boundaries of age, ethnicities, styles and tastes like no other instrument can. Who doesn’t love the mandolin? It is also very portable, making for an easy transition from the ceremony to the cocktail hour to dinner and dancing. Mandolin Magic is fun, classy, and a special treat for everyone!

Click here to book this band »

Beautiful and elegant string music for weddings and
special events in Los Angeles and Southern California!

More info: Band site

String quartets are the premier choices for the cultivated and refined taste of the most discerning client. This is your magical day! The virtuosity of a classic string quartet creates perfect and timeless accompaniment for your special event. We offer string quartet music for weddings and private parties in Los Angeles and beyond, under the musical direction of violinist, Chris Murphy.

We are available to perform
in the following combinations:

The Sparrow Lane String Quartet provides beautiful, timeless music for your wedding ceremony, including prelude, processional, candle lighting, readings and recessional. We seamlessly and smoothly create a transition from your ceremony into your reception, performing swing, jazz, tango, Latin, and Celtic music. And don’t forget your pop classics or your favorite movie themes!

We perform all kinds of classical, baroque, romantic, modern, pop and chamber music arranged for strings, including violins, violas, cellos, guitars, harps and mandolins.

We Love Weddings!

We understand — this is a big event! You have been dreaming about your wedding all of your life, you want it to be perfect, and you want it to be stress free. We understand the excitement, the pressure and the difficulty in creating the wedding of your dreams. Organizing a wedding is probably something you have not done before — there is a lot involved, and we have been there!

This is what we do for a living. We care, and we love weddings!

Our musicians are experienced, passionate, professional. We arrive on time, play our hearts out and are happy to accommodate all of your needs and special requests.

The Sparrow Lane String Quartet performs the famous and classic works of Bach, Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Handel, Vivaldi, Schubert, Mendelssohn, Ravel, Debussy, Brahms, including the traditional wedding favorites.

In addition, we perform showtunes, pop music, children’s music, contemporary classical, The Beatles, Tango music, Jewish music, Italian music, Latin music, French music, Armenian music, Irish music and movie themes from Titanic, Lord Of The Rings, The Godfather trilogy, Fiddler On The Roof, and other favorites.

Click here to book this band »